The Mokopane Regional Court in Limpopo has sentenced Sergeant Nierush Seanego, formerly attached to Mahwelereng visible policing unit, to 15 years of direct imprisonment after he was convicted of robbery with aggravating circumstances.
Seanego, 39, was also convicted for defeating the ends of justice, according to provincial police spokesperson, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
“The South African Police Service in Limpopo remains unwavering in its mission to eradicate corruption within its ranks. This commitment has been reaffirmed by the successful conviction and sentencing of Sergeant Nierush Seanego,” he said.
“The conviction stems from an incident on February 7 2023, when the complainant was stopped near Nyl Plaza by a marked police vehicle and a silver Toyota Yaris. The complainant was forcibly removed from their vehicle, searched, and robbed of R20,000 by the accused and his accomplices before they fled the scene.”
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Following an intensive investigation, the provincial anti-corruption unit in Limpopo, in collaboration with the Polokwane tactical response team, gathered substantial evidence linking Seanego to the crime.
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) subsequently issued a warrant of arrest, leading to the apprehension of the police officer at his homestead within the Mahwelereng policing precinct.
Seanego was arrested on March 4 last year.
“While initially detained at Mokopane SAPS, the accused was later granted bail after appealing to the High Court in Polokwane. However, following a thorough trial, he was convicted on March 10 2025 and declared unfit to possess a firearm,” said Mashaba.
Meanwhile, Limpopo provincial commissioner of police, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has commended the outstanding work of the anti-corruption unit and the Polokwane tactical response team as well as the NPA, which ensured that justice prevailed.
“This conviction and sentencing will send a strong message that SAPS will not tolerate corruption within its ranks. We remain committed to upholding the integrity of our service and restoring public confidence in law enforcement,” said Hadebe.
IOL